The Western Museum of Flight is a place where the past memories of aviation in Southern California are still very much alive.

If you’re planning a visit to the Western Museum of Flight to see some cool and unique aircraft, you’re going to the right place. Among the aircraft on display are the Northrop YF-23A “Black Widow” (one of only two stealth prototypes ever made), a Grunman F-14 “Tomcat” (think Top Gun), a lightweight F-5A fighter jet (you can sit inside this one), and a Northrop JB-1 “Bat” World War II buzz bomber built in 1942 (one of only three of Jack Northrop’s flying wings left in the world).

Beyond the aircraft, there’s a lot to see here, including exhibits on space exploration, radio-controlled aircraft, military uniforms and equipment, and other classic or unique aircraft. One noteworthy item on display is a Pratt & Whitney 3800hp engine, the world’s largest radial engine, and the exact engine used on the infamous 400,000-pound “Spruce Goose” built and (temporarily) flown by Howard Hughes.

You can see pictures of many of the aircraft can be seen on the museum’s Facebook page, as well as updates on upcoming events.

More than just artifacts and exhibits, the Western Museum of Flight has educational programs that give children an opportunity to see, touch and actively participate in learning about the airplanes. That includes the Kids Love Aviation Science (KLAS) program, which educates hundreds of students about the importance of their education. There is also the impressive Celebrity Lecture Series that features prominent figures from the aviation and space industries speaking in an intimate setting.

Operated by the Southern California Historical Aviation Foundation, the Western Museum of Flight describes itself as a non-profit, educational institution dedicated to preserving and displaying aircraft history and artifacts of Southern California’s aviation heritage. The museum is located at Zamperini Field at the municipal airport in Torrance, and is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. General admission is just $5, and kids younger than 12 years old get in free.

Are you an aviation buff in search of more to see? Check out the Western Museum of Flight.Looking for a great field trip or educational experience for kids? Click here to learn about the Western Museum of Flight.Have you ever had the chance to sit in the cockpit of a fighter jet? You can do that and more at the Western Museum of Flight.